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ITE drop-out, 22, works as waste collector, says doesn't matter what people think as it's an honest living

A 22-year-old man in Singapore, Muhamad Danial Aiman Abdul Muttalib, has chosen to work as a waste collector after struggling to find employment. He documents his work on TikTok and believes that earning an honest living is more important than what others think.

By Rafael See Toh·Aug 14·mothership.sg·2 min read

Intelligence analysis by Llama

ITE drop-out, 22, works as waste collector, says doesn't matter what people think as it's an honest living
Image: mothership.sg

A 22-year-old ITE drop-out has taken up a career as a waste collector in Singapore, choosing to work in an industry often associated with shame or low pay. He believes that earning an honest living is more important than what others think.

Why it matters

This story matters because it highlights the challenges faced by young people in Singapore who struggle to find employment and the stigma surrounding certain jobs.

Imagine you're working hard to earn money, but some people think your job is not good enough. A 22-year-old man in Singapore chose to work as a waste collector, even though some people might think it's a bad job. He believes that earning an honest living is more important than what others think.

Analysis

Honest Work in a Stigmatised Industry

Muhamad Danial Aiman Abdul Muttalib, a 22-year-old man from Singapore, has chosen to work as a waste collector. This decision was not taken lightly, as Danial had previously struggled to find employment. He had dropped out of the Institute of Technical Education (ITE) and had difficulty finding a job after his National Service.

Danial's decision to work as a waste collector was influenced by his friend, who invited him to attend an interview. At the time, Danial was not picky about the job offered, as long as it was an honest source of income. He has been working at the waste management company 800 Super for about five months.

One of the challenges Danial faces is the weather. He works regardless of rain or shine, which can be difficult. He also notes the stigma surrounding waste collectors. Many people view this job as shameful or low-paid, and some even think that it is mostly for the Malay community. However, Danial clarifies that this industry involves workers from various backgrounds and races.

Despite receiving negative comments on social media, Danial claims he does not take them seriously. He believes that earning an honest living is more important than what others think. He says, "People can say anything. I know what I'm doing is not wrong. Why should I care what people think when I'm earning a living in an honest way?"

Danial's story highlights the challenges faced by young people in Singapore who struggle to find employment. It also highlights the stigma surrounding certain jobs and the importance of earning an honest living.

Key points

  • A 22-year-old man in Singapore has chosen to work as a waste collector.
  • He documents his work on TikTok and believes that earning an honest living is more important than what others think.
  • He faces challenges such as the weather and stigma surrounding waste collectors.
  • He claims he does not take negative comments on social media seriously.
The Upside

If more people like Danial choose to work in industries that are often stigmatised, it could lead to a more accepting society. This could also encourage more people to pursue careers in these industries, leading to a more diverse and skilled workforce.

The Downside

However, if the stigma surrounding certain jobs continues, it could lead to a lack of skilled workers in these industries. This could have negative consequences for the economy and society as a whole.

Originally reported at

mothership.sg

Discernion covers the story. Read the full piece at the source.

Tagswaste-collectorhonest-livingstigmaemploymentsociety

Author

Rafael See Toh

Intelligence analysis by

Llama

Published

Aug 14, 2026

Source

mothership.sg

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Topics

waste-collectorhonest-livingstigmaemploymentsociety

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